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U. S. Aircraft Carriers Status as of 2009
Commissioned U. S. Aircraft Carriers Status illustrates U. S. commissioned and active aircraft carriers as a result of overhauls nearing a year or longer, limiting carrier’s deployments from 2004 to December 2009.
U.S. commissioned and active aircraft carriers from 2004 to 2008 and an advanced look into 2009, further illustrates that to rely on an eleven aircraft carrier fleet reduces deployments due to upkeep periods, upgrade, major overhaul, SRA, ESRA, DSRA, EDSRA, PIA, DPIA, COH, RCOH, shipyard sea trials, Inspection and Survey (INSURV), combat systems ship's qualification trial (CSSQT), Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA), underway training exercises, Carrier Qualifications (CQ), Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications, Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) and sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX).
“Once an aircraft carrier completes its JTFEX and or SUSTAINEX, it’s ready for deployment while in several instances carriers conducted there JATEX at the beginning of a deployment, while USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) in support of Summer Pulse ’04, as one of seven carriers worldwide to participate in the exercise, which demonstrated the Navy’s Fleet Response Plan and took part in Exercise Majestic Eagle, the culmination of Summer Pulse '04 which is the Navy's first deployment under its new FRP, underway in the Western Atlantic from 2 to 20 June 2004 conducted COMPTUEX (Composite Unit Training Exercises) (2 June to 25 July 2004) but did not conduct JTFEX as well as USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)” (Ref. 76).
“On 29 May 2003, USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) with CVW-8 embarked arrived Norfolk, Virginia, with Captain Richard J. O’Hanlon, USN in command, ending her Caribbean Sea voyage where she conducted COMPTUEX (Composite Training Unit Exercise) operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet, her eighth Mediterranean Sea deployment (14th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet in support of her 1st Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating under the direction of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command. Her ninth deployment since her commission at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 25 October 1986 (6 January to 4 February 2003" (Ref. 72, 76, 383 & 455).
“USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) made her last deployment before she underwent a 10-month maintenance and upgrade program by Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Station (NNSY), Portsmouth, Virginia from 18 February to 15 October 2004, from 6 January to 29 May 2003, operating out of Norfolk, Virginia with Commander, Carrier Group Eight, Rear Adm. John C. Harvey Jr. serving as Immediate Superior-in-Command for the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group, comprised of Carrier Air Wing 8 and Commander, Destroyer Squadron 2 (CDS 2), with Captain Richard J. O’Hanlon, USN in command, on her Caribbean Sea voyage where she conducted COMPTUEX (Composite Training Unit Exercise) operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet, which turned into her eighth Mediterranean Sea deployment (14th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet in support of her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and her 1st Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating under the direction of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 382).
“In the case of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) 2009 deployment, the carrier conducted sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) rather then JTFEX while USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) underway in the Western Atlantic from 6 to 27 January 2009, preceded by an underway period in the Western Atlantic conducting Tailored Ship’s Training Availability (TSTA) and Final Evaluation Problem (FEP) off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina from 17 September to 9 October 2008; prior to her recent deployment with CVW-7 embarked departing Norfolk, Va. on 21 February 2009, with Captain Dee Mewbourne commanding and Commanded by Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8; for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of ongoing, worldwide operations, on her 11th Mediterranean Sea deployment (18th & 19th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the North Atlantic operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet en route to the Mediterranean conducting, on third North Arabian Sea deployment in support of her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the "military response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, commencing on 7 October 2001, providing close air support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan, Maritime Infrastructure Protection (MIR) exercise with a number of regional nations’ maritime forces, her 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) and crisis response development, to ensure that ships could "operate freely while transiting the world's oceans" during the Global War on Terrorism, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet. Ike steamed through the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea on, her 18th voyage in the Med, making her 13th Suez Canal transit, 12th Red Sea voyage and 11th Gulf of Aden voyage en route to the Arabian Sea on her 17th voyage in the Arabian Sea and upon return will steam from the Arabian Sea (18th voyage) en route to the Gulf of Aden (12th voyage) and through the Bab el Mandeb by westerly and northerly courses and enter the Red Sea, on her 12th Red Sea voyage (1st one on a deployment), making her 14th Suez Canal transit to the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 6th Fleet, her 19th voyage in the Med, steaming through the Atlantic on her way home (21 February to 30 July 2009)” (Ref. 44, 47, 72, 76, 84A, 383 & 383B).
“Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group is comprised of Commander Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd,, Commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8 (CCSG 8), Carrier Air Wing CVW-7; the staff of Commodore Captain Mark Sedlacek, Commander, Destroyer Squadron 28 (CDS 28), with its assigned ships USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) and USS Halyburton (FFG 40); the fast attack submarine USS Scranton (SSN-576); and the Mayport, Florida-based ships USS Vicksburg (CG-69) and USS Gettysburg (CG-64).
The squadrons of CVW-7 include the "Jolly Rogers" of VFA-103, "Rampagers" of VFA-83, "Stingers" of VFA-113, "Wildcats " of VFA-131, "Bluetails" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, "Patriots" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 140, "Rawhides" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 40 and the "Nightdippers" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 5” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=42832
“USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) with CVW-14 and Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven embarked, who relieved Rear Admiral James P. Wisecup on 27 October 2008, while on deployment in the 7th Fleet Area of Operations departed San Diego, Calif. on 28 May 2009, as hundreds of friends and family members gathered pierside, with Captain Kenneth J. Norton commanding, who assumed command May 2, 2008; on her fourth “Westpac” in support of national and theater cooperative security commitments in the western Pacific, and Indian Ocean in support of the global war on terrorism, on her 2nd North Arabian Sea deployment in support of her 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom and 3rd Maritime Security Operations (MSO), operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, while her third deployment she underwent her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2ndMaritime Security Operations (MSO) on her 1st North Arabian Sea deployment. She will under go her fourth deployment since her commission having completed an underway period off the coast of Southern California from 26 March to 21 April 2009, conducting Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications from 16 to 20 April 2009; preceded by sustainment exercise (SUSTAINEX) in the Eastern Pacific from 11 to 25 March 2009, along with embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62), the guided-missile destroyers USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43). SUSTAINEX is the last coordinated exercise involving the ships of Carrier Strike Group 7 prior to its upcoming deployment later this year, returning to San Diego, Ca. on 26 March 2009. Prior to March Ronald Regan conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications off the coast of Southern California from 17 to 25 February 2009, returning to San Diego, Ca. on 26 February 2009. Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 also trained instructor pilots to aid the transition from EA-6B Prowler to EA-18G Growler while underway with Ronald Reagan. This marks the first landing of VAQ 129's Growlers aboard an aircraft carrier. The carrier joins the other ships of its strike group which departed the day prior. She will under go her fifth deployment since her first deployment during “Summer Pulse 04” when departed Norfolk, Virginia on an inner fleet transfer from the east coast, arriving at her new homeport in San Diego, California 23 July 2004, operating with the Pacific Fleet, ending her Western & Southern Atlantic and Southern & Eastern Pacific deployment around the Cape Horn operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet on an inner fleet transfer from the east coast stationed at Norfolk, Virginia and Summer Pulse 04 and Homeport change. Underway in the Western Atlantic from 27 May to 3 June 2004 and the Southern Atlantic from 4 to 8 June 2004, Captain James Symonds presented the flag that draped the former President Reagan’s casket, which was also the one that flew over Capitol Hill on January 20, 1981, when the president was inaugurated, to Mrs. Reagan, as well as the flag that flew over the Ronald Reagan when the former president died on 5 June 2004, eleven months after the commissioning of Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan departed San Diego, California to participate in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-5 off the coast of Southern California commencing on 11 April to 21 April 2008, returning to San Diego, California on the 22nd , the exercise is designed to be a realistic exercise in real-world operations and the operational challenges faced by U.S. forces in cooperation with coalition militaries and was the final step in preparing the Ronald Reagan Strike Group for its third deployment and tested the group's ability to plan and execute the Navy's Maritime Strategy alongside other U.S. and coalition forces in complex, hostile warfighting environments. "JTFEX is a graduate-level exercise to ensure Ronald Reagan and Carrier Air Wing 14 will be ready to take the fight to our enemies when called upon," said Capt. Terry Kraft, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer at that time. Ronald Reagan completed Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-5 off the coast of Southern California from 11 to 21 April 2008, returning to San Diego, California 22 April 2008. Ronald Reagan conducted Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) off the coast of Southern California from 17 March to 7 April 2008; conducted Fleet Replacement Squadron Carrier Qualifications (FRSCQ) off the coast of Southern California from 9 to 12 March 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif.; underway in the Eastern Pacific from 10 to 14 February 2008, returning to San Diego, Calif.; underway in the Eastern Pacific from 8 to 10 January 2008, visited Santa Barbara from 11 to 13 January 2008, underway in the Eastern Pacific 14 January 2008, returned to San Diego, Calif. on 15 January 2008; conducted Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA) off the coast of Southern California from 27 November to 17 December 2007, returning to San Diego, California 18 December 2007; conducted "Friends and Family Day Cruise" on 11 November 2007; conducted flight deck certification in the Eastern Pacific from 5 to 8 November 2007. Ronald Reagan and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 operated in the 5th Fleet AOR for more than two months, providing 30 percent of all air support to U.S. and coalition ground forces in Afghanistan. In total, they flew more than 1,600 sorties in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Ships of the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group were also vital in counterpiracy operations off of Somalia and the Horn of Africa, and MSO to include protecting vital Iraqi infrastructure in the North Arabian Gulf. Additionally, Ronald Reagan's Sailors participated in 50 community relations (COMREL) projects during port visits to Singapore, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Phuket, Thailand. "This is the finest team of Sailors I've been fortunate to call shipmates," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, CSG 7. "I could not be more proud of each and every Sailor and their families. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group has been pretty busy the last few years, executing missions across the capabilities of our National Maritime Strategy--and answering the call with impressive results every time." "Every single Sailor knew how vital the mission was to accomplish," said Capt. Kenneth Norton, Ronald Reagan's commanding officer. "Because they understood, regardless of their operational tempo, they performed the mission, not just to get it done, but to get it done well. They're selfless. Everybody did their job well to provide service to our Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen in Afghanistan." Her fifth deployment since her commission” (28 May 2009 to 21 October 2009) (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373).
"I'm proud of these Sailors, and I'm proud of their families - proud of their commitment, their excellence and their dedicated service," said Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, commander, Carrier Strike Group 7. "They understand the importance of their mission and the challenges ahead of them - they have worked hard, and they are ready” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373).
“The Ronald Reagan Strike Group is comprised of Rear Adm. Scott Hebner, Commander, Carrier Strike Group Seven (CCSG 7), CVW-14, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 (CDS 7) , the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG- 62), which include the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG-73), USS Howard (DDG-83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101), and the guided missile frigate USS Thach (FFG-43).
The squadrons of CVW-14 include the "Redcocks" of VFA-22, "Fist of the Fleet" of VFA-25 "Stingers" of VFA-113, "Eagles" of VFA-115, "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A & 373).
Often deployments of aircraft carriers extend into the next year operating out of the east coast, west coast and Japan where USS George Washington (CVN-73) is forward deployed relieving USS Kitty hawk (CV-43) of her duties as a forward deployed aircraft carrier out side the U. S. on her final deployment and home port transfer from Yokosuka, Japan to Bremerton, Washington via San Diego, Calif., where she was relieved by George Washington from 7 to 27 August 2008 and CVW-5 was disembarked from Kitty Hawk and embarked onboard George Washington before steaming to Bremerton where she decommissioned on 31 January 2009, arriving on 7 August 2008, she participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise after departing Japan on 28 May 2008.
As a forward deployed carrier, USS George Washington (CVN-73) will make deployments during the seasons of each year referred to as Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter underway periods while in some cases refereed to as a “WestPac” or Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployments, which become Foreign Water fleet deployments when the carrier visits foreign ports or operate for extended periods out side waters of Japan for a month or longer.
FORWARD DEPLOYED AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYMENTS
(Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan))
(Sep 1973 to Aug 2008)
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Midway (CV-41), former CVA-41 & CVB-41, the 35th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy
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Fifth Independence (CV-62), former CVA-62, the 50th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy |
Second Kitty Hawk (CV-63), former CVA-63, the 51st aircraft carrier of the United States Navy |
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11 Sep 1973 to Aug 1991 |
8 Aug 1991 to 30 Sep 1998 |
6 Jul 1998 to 7 August 2008 |
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43 |
11 |
21 |
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43 + 11 + 21 = 75 |
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USS Kitty Hawk (CV-67) with CVW-5 embarked arrived San Diego, Ca. on 7 August 2008, ending her final forward-deployed deployment, operating out of the port of Yokosuka, Japan, departing from Japan with hundreds of friends, family members and distinguished visitors watching as the ship left the piers where it has operated from for nearly a decade on 28 May 2008. Her 28th Westpac and 21st deployment in foreign waters as a forward deployed carrier operating with the 7th Fleet on its spring deployment in the Western Pacific Ocean ended. Kitty Hawk participated in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2008 Exercise in the Hawaiian operating area from June 29 through July 31. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. Prior forward deployed carriers turned over duty in Hawaii. To be decommissioned in Bremerton, Washington the Navy's oldest active-duty aircraft carrier (48 years old since her commission) will pass on its responsibilities as the only carrier operating permanently outside of the United States to the USS George Washington (CVN-73) in port San Diego, Ca. Her 44th deployment since her commission on 29 April 1961 and approximately the US Navy’s 793rd carrier FWFD (May 28, 2008 to 7 August).
Kitty Hawk’ forward deployed deployments and cruises:
Sep.30, 1998 - Nov.13, 1998 (WestPac, Sea of Japan)
Mar.2, 1999 - Aug.25, 1999 (WestPac, Persian Gulf)
Oct.22, 1999 - Nov.10, 1999 (WestPac, Sea of Japan)
Apr.11, 2000 - Jun.5, 2000 (WestPac)
Sep.26, 2000 - Nov.20, 2000 (WestPac, Sea of Japan)
Mar.2, 2001 - Jun.11, 2001 (WestPac)
Apr.15, 2002 - Jun.5, 2002 (WestPac)
Oct.1, 2001 - Dec.23, 2001 (Operation Enduring Freedom off the coast of Pakistan
Oct.25, 2002 - Dec.13, 2002 (WestPac)
Jan.23, 2003 - May 6, 2003 (WestPac, Persian Gulf)
Nov.1, 2003 - Dec.12, 2003 (WestPac)
Feb.18, 2004 - May 24, 2004 (WestPac)
Jul.19, 2004 - Sep.7, 2004 (WestPac)
Feb.10, 2005 - Mar.28, 2005 (WestPac, Sea of Japan)
May 23, 2005 - Aug.20, 2005 (WestPac)
Oct.24, 2005 - Dec.12, 2005 (WestPac, Sea of Japan)
Jun.8, 2006 - Sep.15, 2006 (WestPac)
Oct.17, 2006 - Dec.10, 2006 (WestPac)
May 23, 2007 - Sep.21, 2007 (WestPac)
Oct.21, 2007 - Nov.27, 2007 (WestPac) - Cruse
Mar.18, 2008 - Apr.4, 2008 (WestPac) - Cruse
Apr.15, 2008 - May 12, 2008 (WestPac)
May 28, 2008 – Aug 7, 2008 (Yokosuka to Pearl Harbor to San Diego, Ca.)
FORWARD DEPLOYED AIRCRAFT CARRIER DEPLOYMENTS
(Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan))
(Sep 2008 to Present)
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George Washington (CVN-73), the 61st aircraft carrier of the United States Navy |
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Sep 24 2008 to Present |
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3 |
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43 + 11 + 21 + 3 = 78 |
USS George Washington (CVN-73)
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AIRCRAFT CARRIER |
DEP |
AIR WING |
T.C. |
DEPART |
RETURN |
Days at Sea |
CVN-73 – 2nd & 3rd |
CVW-17 |
AA |
7 Apr 2008 |
27 May 2008 |
Norfolk to San Diego around the Cape Horn 51
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Home Port Transfer to Japan via San Diego, Ca., participating in the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 49-08, a multinational exercise designed to increase the interoperability of navies in North and South America, while participants in UNITAS included elements of the Brazilian and Argentine Navies as well as the George Washington Carrier Strike Group which includes USS George Washington (CVN-73), Destroyer Squadron Four Zero, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17, USS Farragut (DDG-99) and USS Kauffman (FFG-59). UNITAS Atlantic is one of the exercise phases of Partnership of the Americas (POA), an annual U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operation. POA is designed to increase interoperability and cooperation in the hemisphere, while developing stronger relationships and professional understanding between nations |
CVN-73 – 3rd & 7th |
EastPac WestPac Sea of Japan |
CVW-5 |
NF |
21 Aug 2008 |
24 Sep 2008 |
San Diego to Japan transfer from the East Coast |
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Naval Air Facility Atsugi to Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan |
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CVN-73 – 7th Forward-deployed |
Sea of Japan Westpac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
1 Oct 2008 |
21 Nov 2008 |
WestPac 52 |
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Western Pacific (International Fleet Review celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the armed forces of the Republic of Korea (ROK) and major exercise with the Japan Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces) |
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CVN-73 – 7th Forward-deployed |
Sea of Japan |
CVW-5 |
NF |
6 May 2009 |
12 May 2009 |
Training |
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Sea of Japan Sea Trials and Carrier Qualifications |
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CVN-73 – 7th Forward-deployed |
Sea of Japan Westpac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
20 May 2009 |
5 June 2009 |
Training |
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CVN-73 – 7th Forward-deployed |
WestPac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
10 Jun 2009 |
3 Sep 2009 |
WestPac 165
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Summer Underway period Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09), a biennial exercise hosted by the Australian Defense Force, is designed to enhance combat readiness while maintaining the highest levels of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces |
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CVN-73 – 7th Forward-deployed |
WestPac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
6 Oct 2009 |
22 Nov 2009 |
WestPac |
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Fall Underway period Maritime Security, participating in ANNUALEX |
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Ref. U. S. Navy Deployment History Resources |
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Persian Gulf, arm of the Arabian Sea, 90,000 sq mi (233,100 sq km), between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, extends c.600 mi (970 km) from the Shatt al Arab delta to the Strait of Hormuz, which links it with the Gulf of Oman |
Aircraft Carriers have operated in the Atlantic, Mediterranean Sea, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf – North Arabian Sea), Indian Ocean, Eastern and Western Pacific Oceans, while both east and west coast deployments often operated under the direction of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, participating in Maritime Security Operations (MSO), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein continues, beginning on 20 March 2003 with the firing of Tomahawk missiles from U.S. ships in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the "military response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, commencing on 7 October 2001, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain in July 1995, moving ashore in Bahrain in 1993, while their former head quarters, USS LA SALLE departed for overhaul and reassignment, and the 5th Fleet, reactivated with operational control of the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command, with the beginning of Operation Southern Watch commencing 26 August 1992, (when President George H. W. Bush announced that the United States and its allies had informed Iraq that in 24 hours Allied aircraft would fly surveillance missions in southern Iraq and were prepared to shoot down any Iraqi aircraft flying south of the 32nd parallel, while President George Bush declared Kuwait had been liberated at 9 p.m. EST 27 February 1992, flight operations ending at midnight), with Operation Desert Storm commencing in the early morning hours of 17 January 1991 until 27 February 1992, when President George Bush declared Kuwait had been liberated and Operation Desert Storm would end at midnight) and Operation Desert Shield commencing 2 August 1990 (Iraqi occupation of Kuwait).
US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet
“The 5th Fleet of the United States Navy maintains a visible deterrent force in the Arabian [Persian] Gulf area” (Ref. 313A).
By July 1995, the course of events made a new numbered fleet necessary. After a 48-year hiatus, the US 5th Fleet was reactivated and it now cruises the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea. Its headquarters are in Manama, Bahrain.
FIFTH Fleet consist of as many as 25 ships and 15,000 Sailors and Marines. These forces typically include an aircraft carrier battle group, and amphibious ready group, surface combatants, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, logistics ships and a modest but highly effective fleet support activity” (Ref. 359).
“The staff of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) moved ashore in Bahrain in 1993, and USS LA SALLE departed for overhaul and reassignment. U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. FIFTH Fleet consist of as many as 25 ships and 15,000 Sailors and Marines. These forces typically include an aircraft carrier battle group, and amphibious ready group, surface combatants, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, logistics ships and a modest but highly effective fleet support activity” (Ref. 359).
“Through the 1980s several frigate- and destroyer-type ships and minesweepers were assigned to the Middle East Force as well as support ships. After the 2 August 1990 Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, the largest armada since World War II assembled in the Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield. The Middle East Force found itself operating under operational control of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), an Echelon II command, that supports all naval operations in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility (AOR)” (Ref. 1-Saratoga, 72, 313 & 359).
“USS VALCOUR became the first permanent flagship for the Middle East Force in 1961 after an extensive overhaul and redesignation as a miscellaneous command ship. In July 1972, USS LA SALLE replaced VALCOUR as flagship. Middle East Force ships were the first U.S. military units to take action following the August 2, 1990, invasion of Kuwait when they began Maritime Interception Operations in support of United Nations sanctions against Iraq. In January 1991, with the beginning of Operation Desert Storm, the Middle East Force was absorbed into U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, the Naval component of the U.S. Central Command. Central Command is responsible for all U.S. Military activity in the Middle East and eastern Africa. In the aftermath of the 1990/91 Gulf War, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command ships and those of the coalition partners undertook the largest mine clearing operation since World War II. Nearly 1,300 sophisticated sea mines of various types were swept from the Arabian Gulf, providing the safest passage for naval and merchant ships in decades” (Ref. 359).
“Since naval forces routinely make up over 70 percent of all US military presence in theater, NAVCENT’s location on the scene is an integral part of USCENTCOM's ability to successfully execute a theater strategy. From major exercises to day-to-day real world operations such as enforcement of UN sanctions, NAVCENT plays a major role in maintaining stability and deterring aggression in the region. The vast majority of NAVCENT’s operating forces are rotationally deployed to the region from either the Pacific Fleet or the Atlantic Fleet.
For the early years of its existence, its forces normally consisted of an Aircraft Carrier Battle Group (CVBG), an Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), surface combatants, submarines, maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft, and logistics ships. However, with the War on Terrorism, the naval strategy of the US has changed. The regular deployments of the Cold War are now a thing of the past. Consequently, the policy of always maintaining a certain number of ships in various parts of the world is also over.
The 5th Fleet was initially established 26 April 1944 from Central Pacific Force, and disbanded after the war. In the era of the first Gulf War, the region was patrolled by ships from the East and West Coasts, but no defined fleet existed” (Ref. 313A).
Through the 1980s several frigate- and destroyer-type ships and minesweepers were assigned to the Middle East Force as well as support ships. After the 1990 Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, the largest armada since World War II assembled in the Gulf in support of Operation Desert Shield, and ultimately Operation Desert Storm in 1991. The Middle East Force found itself operating under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command where it remained following the war. During Desert Storm in 1991, the Commander, Seventh Fleet served as naval component commander for Central Command. Since the Gulf War, NAVCENT fulfilled the roles of both a naval component command and as the fleet command. Ships from the East and West Coasts comprised the fleet, but it operated without a traditionally understood structure or number” (Ref. 313).
“Beginning in December 1995, US and allied nations deployed peacekeeping forces to Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. Task Force Eagle, comprised of 20,000 American soldiers, is implementing the military elements of the Dayton Peace Accords in support of Operation Joint Endeavor. This operation marked the first commitment of forces in NATO's history as well as the first time since World War II that American and Russian soldiers have shared a common mission. Today, thousands of people are alive in Bosnia because of these soldiers' service.
In the first three months of Operation Joint Endeavor operations, Air Force mobility forces flew 3,000 missions, carried over 15,600 troops and delivered more than 30,100 short tons of cargo. These statistics reflect the presence of the C-17, which was systematically employed in a major contingency for the first time. The limited airfield at Tuzla, was the major port of debarkation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. During the first critical month of operations, the C-17 flew slightly more than 20 percent of the missions into Tuzla but delivered over 50 percent of the cargo” (Ref. 456).
The US Navy's Atlantic Fleet (Second and Sixth Fleet) 2008 Aircraft Carriers scheduling of deployments resulted in one CVN deployment extending into 2009:
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AIRCRAFT CARRIER |
DEP |
AIR WING |
T.C. |
DEPART |
RETURN |
Days at Sea |
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*USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) - 2nd, 6th, Central Command & 5th and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa 2nd North Arabian Sea deployment and 13th Red Sea & Gulf of Aden voyage |
SoLant 1st Indian Ocean 2nd MSO 3rd OEF Aman 09 13th Suez Canal 10th Med 16th Med voyage NoLant voyage |
CVW-8 |
AJ |
8 Sep 2008 |
18 Apr 2009 |
Middle East Afghanistan War Indian Ocean North Arabian Sea Europe 223 |
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2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO), 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom and Aman '09 |
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Ref. U. S. Navy Deployment History Resources |
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The US Navy's Atlantic Fleet (Second and Sixth Fleet) Aircraft Carriers Deployments for 2009 are as follows:
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AIRCRAFT CARRIER |
DEP |
AIR WING |
T.C. |
DEPART |
RETURN |
Days at Sea |
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*USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) 2nd, 6th, 5th & Central Command 17th & 18th Arabian Sea, 12th & 13th Red Sea and 11th & 12th Gulf of Aden voyage |
NorLant voyage 12th Med 13th Suez Canal 3rd North Arabian Sea 2nd OEF 2nd MSO 14th Suez Canal 19th Med voyage NorLant voyage |
CVW-7 |
AG |
21 Feb 2009 |
30 Jul 2009 |
Europe Middle East 2nd Iraq & Afghanistan War 160 |
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2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) |
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Ref. U. S. Navy Deployment History Resources |
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2009 WEST COAST DEPLOYMENTS & U. S. NAVAL FORCES CENTRAL COMMAND & FIFTH FLEET PARTICIPATING CARRIERS – Includes Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) Red Sea, Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf), North Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, Eastern and Western Pacific Oceans, while both east and west coast deployments often operated under the direction of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, participating in Maritime Security Operations (MSO), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF):
The US Navy's 2008 Pacific Fleet and Seventh Fleet Aircraft Carriers deployments and Carriers from both West and East coast, resulted in one CVN extending 2009 operating under the direction of the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command participating in Maritime Security Operations (MSO), Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein continues, beginning on 20 March 2003 with the firing of Tomahawk missiles from U.S. ships in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the "military response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, commencing on 7 October 2001, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet., with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command are as follows:
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AIRCRAFT CARRIER |
DEP |
AIR WING |
T.C. |
DEPART |
RETURN |
Days at Sea |
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*USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) - 2nd, 6th, Central Command & 5th and U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa 2nd North Arabian Sea deployment and 13th Red Sea & Gulf of Aden voyage |
SoLant 1st Indian Ocean 2nd MSO 3rd OEF Aman 09 13th Suez Canal 10th Med 16th Med voyage NoLant voyage |
CVW-8 |
AJ |
8 Sep 2008 |
18 Apr 2009 |
Middle East Afghanistan War Indian Ocean North Arabian Sea Europe 223 |
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2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO), 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom and Aman '09 |
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Ref. U. S. Navy Deployment History Resources |
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*East coast |
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2009 U.S. Pacific Fleet (Third and Seventh Fleet), the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet Aircraft Carrier Deployments with east coast carriers participating in Maritime Security Operations (MSO), Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein continues, beginning on 20 March 2003 with the firing of Tomahawk missiles from U.S. ships in the Arabian Gulf and Red Sea and Operation Southern Watch, the 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command are as follows:
|
AIRCRAFT CARRIER |
DEP |
AIR WING |
T.C. |
DEPART |
RETURN |
Days at Sea |
|
USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) |
5th Westpac |
CVW-9 |
NG |
13 Jan 2009
|
10 Jul 2009 |
179 |
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Alaska's premier joint training exercise "Northern Edge 2009" in the Gulf of Alaska |
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*USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) 2nd, 6th, 5th & Central Command 17th & 18th Arabian Sea, 12th & 13th Red Sea and 11th & 12th Gulf of Aden voyage |
NorLant voyage 12th Med 13th Suez Canal 3rd North Arabian Sea 2nd OEF 2nd MSO 14th Suez Canal 19th Med voyage NorLant voyage |
CVW-7 |
AG |
21 Feb 2009 |
30 Jul 2009 |
Europe Middle East 2nd Iraq & Afghanistan War 160 |
|
2nd Operation Enduring Freedom and 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) |
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USS George Washington (CVN-73) – 7th Forward-deployed |
Sea of Japan |
CVW-5 |
NF |
6 May 2009 |
12 May 2009 |
Training |
|
Sea of Japan Sea Trials and Carrier Qualifications |
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USS George Washington (CVN-73) – 7th Forward-deployed |
Sea of Japan Westpac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
20 May 2009 |
5 June 2009 |
Training |
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USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) – 3rd, 7th, 5th & Central Command (2nd Arabian Sea) |
4th Westpac Indian Ocean |
CVW-14 |
NK |
28 May 2009 |
29 Oct 2009 |
147 |
|
3rd Operation Enduring Freedom and 3rd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) |
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USS George Washington (CVN-73) – 7th Forward-deployed |
WestPac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
10 Jun 2009 |
3 Sep 2009 |
WestPac 165
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Summer Underway period Exercise Talisman Saber 2009 (TS09), a biennial exercise hosted by the Australian Defense Force, is designed to enhance combat readiness while maintaining the highest levels of interoperability between U.S. and Australian forces |
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USS Nimitz (CVN-68) – 3rd & 7th |
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CVW-11 |
NK |
31 July 2009 |
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“WESTPAC” |
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USS George Washington (CVN-73) –7th forward deployed |
WestPac |
CVW-5 |
NF |
6 Oct 2009 |
23 Nov 2009 |
WestPac |
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ANNUALEX |
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Ref. U. S. Navy Deployment History Resources |
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Persian Gulf, arm of the Arabian Sea, 90,000 sq mi (233,100 sq km), between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran, extends c.600 mi (970 km) from the Shatt al Arab delta to the Strait of Hormuz, which links it with the Gulf of Oman |
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COMMISSIONED U. S. AIRCRAFT CARRIERS
(CV’s & CVN’s) – 2009
|
TOTAL NO. OF COMM CARRIERS BY DATE OF COMM |
NO. OF SHIPS WITH SAME NAME |
U. S. NAVY AIRCRAFT CARRIER NAME & HULL NO’S |
COMM |
|
Fifth |
Independence (CV-62), former CVA-62 |
10/01/59(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft 28/02/73 30/09/98(D) In inactive reserve in the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), Bremerton, Wash. |
|
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P – Decomm. Active 31-days |
Second |
Kitty Hawk (CV-63), former CVA-63
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29/04/61(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier 29/04/73 31/01/09(D) In inactive reserve in the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), Bremerton, Wash. |
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P – Decomm.
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Third |
Constellation (CV-64), former CVA-64 |
27/10/61(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft 30/06/75 07/08/03(D) Towed 12 September 2003, to be placed in inactive reserve in the Naval Inactive Ship Maintenance Facility (NISMF), Bremerton, Wash. |
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Eight |
Enterprise (CVN-65), former CVA(N)-65 (Commencing a 16-month Maintenance Work, Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard on 11 April 2008. Big “E” pulled out of number 11 dry-dock March 27, 2009 (11/04/08 to) November 2009 est.) |
25/11/61(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft 30/06/75 |
|
|
A – Decomm. |
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John F. Kennedy (CV-67), former CVA-67 (JFK was towed from NS Mayport, Fla. , and taken to NS Norfolk, instead of a mothball berth at the old Philadelphia Naval Ship Yard, as originally planned. The trip is expected to take about five days. 31 July 2007, arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Formally decommissioned on 30 September 2007) |
07/09/68(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft Carrier 01/12/74 23/03/07(D) |
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P – Active less 10 est.-days for PIA |
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Nimitz (CVN-68), former CVA(N)-68 (Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Naval Base San Diego (July 2008 to Jan. 2009)) |
03/05/75(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft 30/06/75 |
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Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), former CVA(N)-69 |
18/10/77(C) Reclass. CV – Multi-Purpose Aircraft 30/06/75 |
|
|
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Carl Vinson (CVN-70) (Towed from Naval Station Norfolk to Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia where she will under go RCOH and will be completely refitted, and the nuclear fuel that powers the Nimitz-class carrier will be replenished in a period of 3 1/2 years (11/11/05 to 11/07/09)) |
13/03/82(C) |
|
|
A– Operated with the Naval Forces Central Command, 5th & 7th Fleet Active less 126-days for RCOH |
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Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) (Named 30/11/81) (RCOH at Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia - 2009 - RCOH. Commenced a shipboard coordinated off-load and outfitting plan (SCOOP) at Naval Station Norfolk June 15, preceded by off-loading ammunition off the coast of Virginia from 18 to 21 May 2009 in preparation of ROCH (29/08/09 to 2013)) |
25/10/86(C) |
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P – Active less 240 est.-days for PIA |
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Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) (Off-loaded ordnance in preparation for a scheduled Planned Incremental Period (PIA) in the Eastern Pacific from 6 to 9 April 2009 in the Eastern Pacific (April 2009 to December 2008 est.)) |
11/11/89(C) |
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P – Yokosuka, Japan (NAF Atsugi, Japan) |
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George Washington (CVN-73) |
04/07/92(C) |
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P |
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John C. Stennis (CVN-74) |
09/12/95(C) |
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A – Active less 45-days for PIA |
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Harry S. Truman (CVN-75) (Sea trials in the Western Atlantic from 12 to 14 February 2009. Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) from August 2008 to 14 February 2009 at Norfolk Naval Ship Yard, Portsmouth, Virginia (August 2008 to 14/02/09)) |
25/07/98(C) |
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P |
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Ronald Reagan CVN-76 |
12/07/03(C) |
|
A/P – Active 92-days Wesr Coast transfer scheduled |
|
01/10/09(C) |
|
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A or P - Assigned to the Atlantic/Med or Pacific Fleet/Seventh Fleet |
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I - Inactivated / D - Decommissioned or Placed out of Commission / R - Out of Commission in Reserve |
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D - Decommissioned or Placed out of Commission |
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Recomm. – Recommissioned / RA – Reactivated / # - In Commission in Reserve / * - Estimate |
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On 1 October 1952 CVs & CVBs reclassified CVA |
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Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard - CVN-65 from 2008 to 2009 |
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Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Naval Base San Diego (July 2008 to Jan. 2009))- CVN-68 from 2008 to 2009 |
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Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) from August 2008 to 14 February 2009 at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth, Virginia - CVN-75 from 2008 to 2009 |
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Refueling and Complex Overhaul (2009 - RCOH) at Grumman Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia - CVN-71 from 2009 to 2013. “The Carl Vinson (CVN-70), the 58th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy keel was Commissioned at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 13 March 1982 and returned to its birthplace of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia for the third Nimtz Class aircraft carrier and fourth CVN to conduct a major mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) commencing on 11 November 2005, where she will be completely refitted, and the nuclear fuel that powers the Nimitz-class carrier will be replenished in a period of 3 1/2 years (commencing planning for 2005’s RCOH upon return from her second around-the-world deployment and home port transfer from Bremerton, Washington, from 13 January to 31 July 2005, with Carrier Strike Group 3, Carrier Air Wing 9, DESRON 31, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54), the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG-77) and USS Mustin (DDG-89), and the fast combat support ship USS Camden (AOE-2), her tenth Indian Ocean deployment and fifth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment in support of her 2nd Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein, commencing 20 March 2003, participating in several international naval exercises, including Foal Eagle, Tandem Thrust and Ulchi Focus Lens, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, on her first Gulf of Aden and Red Sea voyage, on her first Suez Canal transit and first voyage in the Mediterranean Sea” (Ref. 72, 76, 375 & 553).
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was redelivered to the U.S. Navy by the Northrop Grumman Corp. on 11 July 2009, concluding a 3 ½ year ROCH, while the overhaul was completed on 28 June 2009, when CVN-70 departed Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard for ship yard sea trials in the Western Atlantic from 29 June to 2 July 2009, returning to Norfolk, Virginia on 3 July 2009. Carl Vinson was towed from Naval Station Norfolk to Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in order to begin the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) on 11 November 2005. On 9 May 2007, Carl Vinson transited the James River en route to a pier-side dock after completing an 18-month dry dock period at Northrop Grumman Newport News.
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) conducted flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 11 to 31 July 2009.
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 1 August 2009, concluding flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 11 to 31 July 2009, commencing after CVN-70’s departure from Norfolk on 10 July 2009. |
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Planned Incremental Period (PIA) - CVN-72 during 2009 |
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“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) with CVW-7 embarked departed Norfolk, Va. on 21 February 2009, with Captain Dee Mewbourne commanding and Commanded by Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CCSG) 8; for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of ongoing, worldwide operations, on her 11th Mediterranean Sea deployment (18th & 19th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet, steaming through the North Atlantic operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet en route to the Mediterranean conducting, on third North Arabian Sea deployment in support of her 2nd Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), the "military response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the United States, commencing on 7 October 2001, providing close air support and reconnaissance to International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the ground in Afghanistan, Maritime Infrastructure Protection (MIR) exercise with a number of regional nations’ maritime forces, her 2nd Maritime Security Operations (MSO) and Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) and crisis response development, to ensure that ships could "operate freely while transiting the world's oceans" during the Global War on Terrorism, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet. Ike steamed through the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea on, her 18th voyage in the Med, making her 13th Suez Canal transit, 12th Red Sea voyage and 11th Gulf of Aden voyage en route to the Arabian Sea on her 17th voyage in the Arabian Sea and upon return will steam from the Arabian Sea (18th voyage) en route to the Gulf of Aden (12th voyage) and through the Bab el Mandeb by westerly and northerly courses and enter the Red Sea, on her 12th Red Sea voyage (1st one on a deployment), making her 14th Suez Canal transit to the Mediterranean Sea operating with the 6th Fleet, her 19th voyage in the Med, steaming through the Atlantic on her way home (21 February to 30 July 2009)” (Ref. 44, 47, 72, 76, 84A, 383 & 383B). |
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“USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) with CVW-8 embarked departed Norfolk, Virginia 8 September 2008, with Captain Ladd Wheeler in command, Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2, TRCSG and more then 5,000 Sailors; assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, steamed through the Southern Atlantic via Cape of Good Hope operating with the United States Atlantic Command (Atlantic Fleet) under the direction of the 2nd Fleet, on her first Indian Ocean and 2nd North Arabian Sea deployment to strengthen the U.S. Naval presence in the crucial Indian, making a port call at Cape Town, South Africa, as part of an on-going effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues in support of her 3rd Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), her 2nd Maritime Security and Coalition Operations (MSO) and will participate in Aman 09 in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR), under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet. The strike group’s ships are prepared to conduct a variety of missions, including forward naval presence, maritime security operations, crisis response, and theater support cooperation. She will under go her tenth Mediterranean Sea deployment (15th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet, transiting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea nearing the end of her deployment on her 16th Mediterranean voyage, making her 13thGulf of Aden voyage en route from the Arabian Gulf to the Red Sea, her 13th Red Sea voyage (two on deployment), on her 13th Suez Canal transit and will participate in the international naval exercise Aman 2009, marking the first time in more than 40 years that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier visited South Africa, and the first time a nuclear-powered vessel was permitted to visit the area. The last carrier to visit South Africa was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVA-42) in 1967. The 10-day exercise, which began March 5, will focus on air, surface and maritime security training, and include representatives from 38 countries as well as ships from 11 nations to include the U.S., UK, Pakistan and Australia. The at-sea portion of the exercise will primarily be conducted in the North Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan (8 September 2008 to 18 April 2009)” (Ref. 72, 76 & 383). |
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“The George H. W. Bush (CVN-77), the 65th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy was commissioned Saturday, Jan. 10, 2009, during an 11 a.m. EST ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va.; keel was laid down on 6 September 2003. Mr. England has also designated Mr. Bush's daughter, Mrs. Doro B. Koch for the traditional role of ship's sponsor. USS George H.W. Bush is expected to join the fleet in 2009” (Ref. 72, 402 & 445). http://www.navy.mil/navydata/fact_display.asp?cid=4200&tid=200&ct=4 http://www.defenselink.mil/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=12418
The George H. W. Bush (CVN 77) is the 10th and final Nimitz-class aircraft carrier. This evolutionary ship will pave the way to a new class of carriers. Named after the nation’s 41st president, this powerful warship of the 21st century will feature numerous improvements and modernizations. Learn more about this state-of-the-art ship at reference I.
Several members of the Bush family were on hand for the special occasion, including the former president’s wife Barbara and their daughter, Doro Bush Koch. Mrs. Koch serves as the ship’s sponsor and performed the traditional honor of breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine across the ship’s bow during the ceremony. http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush or http://www.nn.northropgrumman.com/bush/christening.html |
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Navy Takes Delivery of Aircraft Carrier George H.W. Bush |
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“Very few ships of the United States Navy have been named for a person who was alive at the time of the christening; the list includes Carl Vinson (CVN-70), Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), Jimmy Carter (SSN-23), Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), Hyman G. Rickover (SSN-709), Bob Hope (T-AKR-300), and George H. W. Bush (CVN-77)” (Ref. 72). |
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Name |
Year |
FLEET |
Homeport |
Notes |
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A - 2nd & 6th |
Newport News, VA |
EDSRA |
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P – 3rd & 7th |
San Diego, CA |
*PIA completed Jan. 2009 7th & 5th Fleet deployed |
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A - 2nd & 6th |
Norfolk, VA |
Stateside |
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P – 3rd & 7th |
Norfolk, VA |
*RCOH completed 31/07/09 Stateside |
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A - 2nd & 6th |
Norfolk, VA |
*RCOH |
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P – 3rd & 7th |
Everett, WA |
PIA |
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FD - 7th Fleet |
Yokosuka, Japan |
NAF Atsugi 7th deployed |
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P – 3rd & 7th |
Bremerton, WA |
Stateside |
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A - 2nd & 6th |
Norfolk, VA |
*PIA completed 12/02/09 Stateside |
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P – 3rd & 7th |
San Diego, CA |
Stateside |
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A - 2nd & 6th |
Norfolk, VA |
Stateside |
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A = Atlantic |
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P = Pacific |
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FD = Forward Deployed |
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CVN-65 commenced a 16-month Maintenance Work, Extended Drydock Selected Restricted Availability (EDSRA) at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard on 11 April 2008. Big “E” pulled out of number 11 dry-dock March 27, 2009 |
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*CVN-68 completed upgrade and maintenance period by Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Naval Base San Diego, Calif. in January 2009, commencing in July 2008 |
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CVN-70 will transfer to the West Coast sometime after RCOH 11 July 2009 and became an asset of the 3rd Fleet.
“The Carl Vinson (CVN-70), the 58th aircraft carrier of the United States Navy keel was Commissioned at the Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Co., Newport News, Virginia on 13 March 1982 and returned to its birthplace of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia for the third Nimtz Class aircraft carrier and fourth CVN to conduct a major mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) commencing on 11 November 2005, where she will be completely refitted, and the nuclear fuel that powers the Nimitz-class carrier will be replenished in a period of 3 1/2 years (commencing planning for 2005’s RCOH upon return from her second around-the-world deployment and home port transfer from Bremerton, Washington, from 13 January to 31 July 2005, with Carrier Strike Group 3, Carrier Air Wing 9, DESRON 31, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG-54), the guided-missile destroyers USS O’Kane (DDG-77) and USS Mustin (DDG-89), and the fast combat support ship USS Camden (AOE-2), her tenth Indian Ocean deployment and fifth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment in support of her 2nd Operation Iraqi Freedom, the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein, commencing 20 March 2003, participating in several international naval exercises, including Foal Eagle, Tandem Thrust and Ulchi Focus Lens, operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet, on her first Gulf of Aden and Red Sea voyage, on her first Suez Canal transit and first voyage in the Mediterranean Sea” (Ref. 72, 76, 375 & 553).
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) was redelivered to the U.S. Navy by the Northrop Grumman Corp. on 11 July 2009, concluding a 3 ½ year ROCH, while the overhaul was completed on 28 June 2009, when CVN-70 departed Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard for ship yard sea trials in the Western Atlantic from 29 June to 2 July 2009, returning to Norfolk, Virginia on 3 July 2009. Carl Vinson was towed from Naval Station Norfolk to Northrop Grumman Newport News Shipyard in order to begin the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) on 11 November 2005. On 9 May 2007, Carl Vinson transited the James River en route to a pier-side dock after completing an 18-month dry dock period at Northrop Grumman Newport News.
USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) conducted flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 11 to 31 July 2009.
USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) returned to Norfolk, Virginia on 1 August 2009, concluding flight deck certification and carrier qualifications in the Western Atlantic from 11 to 31 July 2009, commencing after CVN-70’s departure from Norfolk on 10 July 2009.
RCOH from 11 November 2005 to 11 July 2009. Tugboats assist USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) as she transits down the James River while moving from dry dock to a nearby pier at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard on 9 May 2007. Towed from Naval Station Norfolk to its birthplace of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia to conduct a major mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) commencing on 11 November 2005, where she will be completely refitted, and the nuclear fuel that powers the Nimitz-class carrier will be replenished in a period of 3 1/2 years (commencing planning for 2005’s RCOH upon return from her second around-the-world deployment and home port transfer from Bremerton, Washington, upon conclusion of her six-month deployment from 13 January to 31 July 2005 |
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*CVN-71 entered its birthplace of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia for the fourth Nimtz Class aircraft carrier and fifth CVN to conduct a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) on 29 August 2009 to begin its RCOH. Commenced a shipboard coordinated off-load and outfitting plan (SCOOP) at Naval Station Norfolk June 15, preceded by off-loading ammunition off the coast of Virginia from 18 to 21 May 2009 in preparation of ROCH). The Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) awarded a $2.4 billion contract to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding - Newport News for the Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on 26 August 2009. |
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CVN 72 - Off-loaded ordnance in preparation for a scheduled Planned Incremental Period (PIA) in the Eastern Pacific from 6 to 9 April 2009 in the Eastern Pacific. |
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*CVN-75 completed upgrade and maintenance period by Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth. Commenced sea trials in the Western Atlantic on 12 February 2009, returning Feb. 14 after completing two days of sea trials. Truman completed her shipyard stay on schedule and on budget, returning to Norfolk with numerous repairs, improvements and upgrades to ship's systems and the shipboard environment. |
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“USS Nimitz (CVN-68) returned to Norfolk, Va. from ship yard sea trials off the Virginia Capes operating area from 25 to 28 June and in the Western Atlantic on 28 June 2001, departing Norfolk on 25 June 2001 for a temporary berth at Naval Base Norfolk, Va. en route to the Virginia Capes operating area, upon completing of the first to conduct a Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), which required the ship to return to its birthplace of Newport News Shipbuilding and Dry Dock Corp., Newport News, Virginia, commencing 29 May 1998.
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) was underway off the coast of Virginia for sea trials from 16 to 23 July 2001 and in the Western Atlantic for sea trials from 20 August to 4 September 2001 and on 21 September 2001.
USS Nimitz (CVN-68) departed for San Diego, California on an inter-fleet transfer from Norfolk, Virginia, 21 September 2001, on her first Eastern Pacific voyage steaming from the South Atlantic around Cape Horn, conducting exercises with Brazilian naval forces in early October 2001, underway off the coast of Uruguay on 9 October 2001, conducting exercises with the Chile Navy from 18 to 19 October 2001 and visited Pearl Harbor, Hi., before arriving her new home port San Diego, California on 13 November 2001 with CVWR-20 embarked. Her 17th deployment since she was commissioned” (Ref. 72, 76, 84A, 371, 520, 681C & U.S. Navy Deployment History Resources). |
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“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) conducted post-RCOH shipyard sea trials in the Western Atlantic from 23 to 24 March 2005” (Ref. 76).
“USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) returned to her homeport Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia on 25 March 2005 upon completion of post- Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH) shipyard sea trials in the Western Atlantic, departing on 22 March 2005” (Ref. 76).
USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Redelivered to the Fleet
“After spending 44 months in Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard for a major mid-life Refueling and Complex Overhaul (RCOH), USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) was redelivered to the fleet March 25, after a four-year, approximately $2.5 billion dollar Refueling Complex Overhaul (RCOH) that brought state-of-the-art equipment and technology to one of America’s premier fighting platforms; extended 11 weeks for contract modification; successfully completed Crew Certification Phase II on 16 November 2004 and is now certified ready for sea The crew was inspected by Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet (COMNAVAIRLANT) and Afloat Training Group (ATG) staff. Dwight D. Eisenhower moved to a different pier at Norfolk, Virginia on 8 February 2005; simulating an underway replenishment (UNREP) March 18 with the Military Sealift Command ship USNS John Lenthall (T-AO 189) while pierside at Naval Station Norfolk; departing on 22 March 2005, returned to homeport Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia upon completion of shipyard sea trials in the Western Atlantic on 25 January 2005, commencing on 21 January 2005; extended 11 weeks for contract modification; successfully completed Crew Certification Phase II on 16 November 2004, certified ready for sea, deadsticked over to the yard for RCOH on 22 May 2001 during the morning of the 22nd, entering Drydock No. 11 two days later. At various times during the overhaul, her sailors served on board aircraft carriers USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), USS Enterprise (CVN-65), USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75), USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67), USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), amphibious assault ships USS Bataan (LHD-5), USS Kearsarge (LHD-3) and USS Saipan (LHA-2), guided missile cruiser Leyte Gulf (CG-55), dock landing ship Carter Hall (LSD-50), guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81), combat stores ship Saturn (AFS-8) and fast combat support ship USS Seattle (AOE-3), as well as ashore at stations across the U.S. and in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Columbia, England, Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela. Tugs towed the ship over to Norfolk on 25 January 2005” (Ref. 76, 383B, 692, 693, 694 & 695). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=1757 http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=15983
The RCOH included the reconstruction of the ship’s island, the installation of a new antenna mast, the installation of a new radar tower, an upgrade and modernization of combat and communication systems, overhaul of the ship's hull, mechanical and electrical systems, and the refueling of her two nuclear reactors. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=17687
“Mid-Life Refueling Complex Overhaul, transitioned: LAN to metropolitan area network (MAN); message processing from NavMacs II to Personal Message Computer Terminal (PCMT); installations: RIM-116A Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) System, a lightweight quick-reaction “fire-and-forget” missile designed to counter anti-ship missiles attacking in waves or streams; rearchitectured NATO Sea Sparrow missile system; Radio Communications Suite (RCS), providing external afloat communications in support of “real world missions.”; AN/SMQ-11; UMQ-12 Mini-Rawinsonde System; Integrated Communications Advanced Network (ICAN), which could distribute all navigation, communication and machinery controls” (Ref. 383B). |
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